Kuala lumpur: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has identified assets worth over RM3 billion in 11 countries linked to the late Tun Daim Zainuddin, his wife Toh Puan Na'imah Khalid, family members, and networks of associates.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the commission stated that its Special Operations Division is conducting investigations and enforcement focused on seizing and forfeiting these extraordinary assets. The 11 countries involved include the United Kingdom, United States, Switzerland, Singapore, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Jersey, Italy, Japan, Indonesia, and several African countries, with an estimated asset value exceeding RM3 billion. The investigation is being conducted with strategic cooperation with several enforcement agencies in the UK, including the National Crime Agency and the International Anti-Corruption Coordination Centre.
The commission obtained a freeze asset order from the Kuala Lumpur High Court on June 3 against seven fixed and liquid assets worth an estimated RM758 million in the UK under Section 53 of the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001. An application for Mutual Legal Assistance to the UK authorities is being processed through the Attorney-General's Chambers, with further discussions with the IACCC to ensure systematic and effective enforcement actions.
Additionally, the MACC revealed that freeze asset orders have been filed against assets in Singapore and Jersey at the Kuala Lumpur High Court on June 19, with hearings occurring on June 23 and 25. Assets involved include four bank and investment accounts worth RM1.15 billion in Jersey, while in Singapore, 12 bank and investment accounts worth RM540 million are involved.
Requests for further information regarding assets in the US, Switzerland, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Italy, and Japan are being submitted through collaboration with Bank Negara Malaysia, IACCC, and MLA applications through the AGC to enable legal and comprehensive asset seizure and forfeiture actions. Domestically, the MACC obtained an order to seize Menara Ilham on June 4, carried out the day after. An application to forfeit without prosecution under Section 56 of the AMLATFPUAA 2001 was filed at the Kuala Lumpur High Court on June 25, with statements from Na'imah and her son, Muhammed Amir Zainuddin Daim, recorded on June 14 regarding the ownership of undeclared extraordinary assets.
Statements will be taken from the second child, Muhammed Amin Zainuddin Daim, currently in the UK. All three individuals are main shareholders of Ilham Baru Sdn Bhd, the company with majority shares in Ilham Tower Sdn Bhd and identified as the beneficial owner of Menara Ilham. In line with Section 36(1) of the MACC Act 2009, a notice of asset declaration was handed to 22 individuals identified as relatives or close associates of Daim and Na'imah since yesterday to identify and confirm asset ownership.
The MACC emphasized its commitment to carry out investigations independently, transparently, and based on law, without interference or political interest, ensuring no element of corruption, embezzlement, or abuse of power in the management of the country's wealth.